Tips
Prepare for this question in advance and have a compelling story about your past experiences.
Pull prominent skills from the job description.
Be “SHE” (succinct, honest and engaging).
Sample answer 1
By Jenny Foss, Career Strategist at linkedin-corp
From a very early age I've been a problem solver. I was that kid who would take apart anything so I could see how it worked—and then try to put it back together.
As you can imagine, it drove my parents nuts. But even though I tortured my family at times, the tinkering trait has served me well in my career.
After graduating from Purdue, I was recruited into a field technician job and got paid to take apart broken packaging equipment. It was like living the dream.
That job also made me realize I'm really good with difficult customers, and that's what helped me land my current account manager role.
While I love my job and have been successful in it, it has moved me away from the manufacturing floor. Now, the reason I'm so interested in this position is that it seems to provide a really great blend of one-on-one work with clients and hands-on problem solving.
Why this answer worked well:
He gave a vivid image of his childhood home and told a memorable story about it.
He picked two prominent required skills from the job description, problem solving and customer service, and built this interesting narrative around it.
He showed how his career successfully evolved before he was even asked about that.
Sample answer 2
By Marketing & Brand Manager Professional
In my current role as the marketing analyst responsible for a shampoo product line, my core responsibility is to assist the marketing manager to prepare the analytics for monthly sales, as well as a sales prediction model. I also manage the campaign budget, prepare wrap-up reports, and connect with our marketing agencies. All of this requires analytical thinking, attention to detail, and clear communication skills.
My current role has provided me solid execution experience in all the marketing aspects, including campaign planning, campaign management and analysis.
I am looking for a marketing manager role, where I can make a bigger impact as an individual contributor, as well as delve into strategic planning, and potentially grow into a people manager in a few years.
Why this answer worked well:
Passion for the subject matter and clear direction for the future were apparent.
The answer focused on key skills and experiences relevant to the role (rather than a rambling biography).
Sample answer 3
By Product Manager Professional
I would describe myself as highly curious and focused on learning in all parts of life, personal and professional.
In my professional life, I look for the hardest problems to solve and where I can learn and develop the most. I’ve taken on many different types of projects, including ads, virtual reality, commerce, and messaging. No matter what I’m working on, I’m very invested. I identify anyone I can learn from, as well as problems that I care about and try to optimize every step of the process.
In my personal life, I spend a lot of time reading and usually have a focused area of interest for a longer period of time. For instance, last year, I read and researched public transportation systems and the future of transportation with emerging companies and autonomous vehicles. I found it fascinating, and it actually sparked a desire to change industries — which eventually led me to my last role and even helped prepare me for the switch.
Outside of reading and researching, I also love to travel, cook with friends, and spend a lot of time running and being physically active outdoors.
Why this answer worked well:
Background and type of experience were clearly explained.
Candidate showcased a self-starter mentality.
Hobbies were framed to highlight benefits to professional life.
Sample answer 4
By Mechanical Engineer Professional
I’ve been shipping consumer devices for the past two decades. Over the years, I’ve built an expertise in firmware and bootloader designs.
I’ve been lucky to have a few great mentors over the course of my career, and find a great deal of personal and professional satisfaction being able to do the same. I currently oversee a team of engineers and have helped grow several team members into managerial roles as well.
Additionally, I like to stay active within the industry community, and recently spoke at DeveloperWeek conference.
I’ve been happy at my current role, have managed many successful product launches, and really enjoy management. I’d like to use my expertise to deliver more impact on a growing company — to help grow and shape team and culture —and make a significant impact in the market.
Why this answer worked well:
The answer was a well-rounded snapshot of professional interests and strengths.
It was clear that they’re active in the industry, and likely have a strong network.
An interest in mentorship shows a willingness to invest time in the company, and energy into team members.
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